HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 02222000 Meeting Sheet
IIIIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIVIIIIIIIIIII
100657
Box: 19
Folder: CC MINUTES AND AGENDAS 2000
Document: CC MINUTES 02222000
/ 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
3 FEBRUARY 22, 2000
4 I. CALL TO ORDER.
5 Mayor Cavanaugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
6 II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
7 Mayor Cavanaugh invited the Council and the audience to join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
8 III. ROLL CALL.
9 Councilmembers present: Mayor Cavanaugh; Councilmembers Sparks, Thuesen, and
10 Hodson.
11 Councilmembers absent: Horst
12 Also present: Michael Morrison, City Manager.
13 IV. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 22, 2000 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
14 AGENDA.
15 Motion by Thuesen to approve the February 22, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
16 with the following additions:
17 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
A. Introduction of Joel A. Hewitt,New Fire Chief.
409 B. Update on Apache Plaza from Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development Co.
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21 V. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
22 A. Introduction of Joel A. Hewitt,New Fire Chief.
23 City Manager Michael Mornson reminded the Council that Fire Chief Dick Johnson was retiring,
24 and thus the City interviewed and selected a candidate for his replacement. By way of back-
25 ground, Morrison stated that Mr. Hewitt's experience spans more than 23 years, which includes
26 11 years as a Department Chief for the City of Roseville, and currently for the City of
27 Maplewood. April 3, 2000 is Mr. Hewitt's anticipated start date.
28 In that respect, Morrison introduced Joel A. Hewitt as the City's new Fire Chief. Mr. Hewitt
29 thanked Morrison for the introduction and stated that he is enthusiastic about being the City's
30 Fire Chief and appreciated the confidence and trust that has been placed with him. Furthermore,
31 he stated that he would be dedicated to the firefighters and to the community of St. Anthony.
32 Mayor Cavanaugh welcomed Mr. Hewitt to the City.
33 B. Update on Apache Plaza from Scott Tankenoff, Hillcrest Development Co.
Cavanaugh invited Mr. Tankenoff, managing partner of Hillcrest Development, to approach the
0 Council. Mr. Tankenoff stated that he would like to offer an update on the current status of the
36 Apache Plaza redevelopment and answer any questions.
I\
-,e
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 22, 2000
Page 2
1 Sparks asked Mr. Tankenoff to explain the processes that are involved with the purchase of
2 Apache Plaza. Mr. Tankenoff stated that there are approximately 40 days until the
3 environmental phase of the property is completed. Hillcrest Development inherited little
4 information in the form of planning and surveys. Currently there is an indoor investigation being
5 conducted and a thoroughleview of what has been done outside of the building. Hillcrest
6 Development is beginning discussions with some of the tenants and conducting meetings with
7 the City on zoning. Mr. Tankenoff further stated that renderings have been drafted, however, he
8 is reluctant to expand on those drawings in more detail until they are concrete.
9 Sparks inquired about the possibility of a community space for Apache. Mr. Tankenoff stated
10 that there have been a lot of rumors about the type of community space being considered, but he
11 wished to clarify that the community space would likely consist of a recreational component,
12 meeting rooms, and a coffee shop, in close proximity to where the Cub Foods is located. Ideally,
13 he stated, there would be a place where people could gather, but he would like to make sure the
14 concept is firm before any specific details are released.
15 Thuesen inquired when Hillcrest Development would make a determination regarding the New
16 Market property. Mr. Tankenoff stated that there have been many inquiries to that effect, how-
ever, he believed that the site might be a requirement to support the redevelopment of the build-
ing. Once there is a concrete plan for the Apache Plaza,the ancillary portion of the New Market
19 site would be an ideal topic for discussion.
20 Hodson inquired when the redevelopment construction was expected to begin. Mr. Tankenoff re-
21 sponded that the specific construction date depends on how long the processes take to lay the
22 groundwork to begin construction. Mr. Tankenoff believed that redevelopment construction
23 needed to occur in the Year.2000, however,he hoped to avoid winter construction. It is his hope
24 that there will be meaningful preparation of the building starting this summer. Almost immedi-
25 ately after closing (which is expected in 60-90 days), Hillcrest plans to correct the dysfunctional
26 portions of the building and the second phase of construction would begin shortly after that
27 point.
28 Cavanaugh mentioned that there had been discussions from the Planning Commission about the
29 possibility of the City.hiring a planner to assist in the redevelopment process. Cavanaugh
30 believed that to be a feasible idea to provide a level of professionalism for the City to coordinate
31 with Hillcrest Development due to the large scope of the project.
32 In response to an inquiry about the number of projects in which Hillcrest Development is in-
33 volved, Mr. Tankenoff responded that the company has a deep commitment to the Apache Plaza
34 project. The company is involved in a large project on Stinson Boulevard as well, but he felt that
the synergies of the Stinson project would ultimately provide energy to the Apache project.
36 VI. COMMUNITY FORUM.
a
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 3
1 None.
2 VII. CONSENT AGENDA.
3 Motion by Thuesen to approve the Consent Agenda, which included:
4 1. Minutes of the February 8, 2000 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes;
5 2. Heating Licenses(Albers Sheet Metal, St. Paul, MN; A.R.E. Plumbing, Ramsey, MN);
6 3. Contractors License (Suburban Lighting, Stillwater, MN).
7 4. Four pages of Verified Claims.
8 Motion carried unanimously.
9 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS.
10 None.
11 IX. GENERAL POLICY BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL.
12 A. Todd Hubmer from WSB & Associates. Inc. will present the following
13 1. Report on floodrg ant program; approve flood grant program for 2000 (Resolution
00-020)
Cavanaugh welcomed Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates, and invited him to address the
16 Council.
17 Mr. Hubmer began by directing the Council's attention to his letter of February 15, 2000.
18 That letter provided a summary of the activities completed in the 1999 Flood Relief Grant
19 Program. In 1999, a total of 15 applications for participation in the program were re-
20 ceived. It was.determined that of those 15, five were eligible for participation in the
21 Program. The addresses of the five participants were identified, with a total cost of
22 $13,036.05.
23 Mr. Hubmer continued by stating that City Staff has received a number of requests for
24 grant applications for the 2000 program. Those requests would be evaluated after the
25 Council has authorized the 2000 Flood Relief Grant Program (which is Resolution 00-
26 020).
27 Cavanaugh explained that Resolution 00-020 sets forth, in part, that the City would be re-
28 sponsible for 65% of the cost of an approved project, and the property owner would pay
29 the remaining 35%. Additionally, applications would be due by June 1, 2000.
30 . Mr. Hubmer explained that Public Works Director Jay Hartman and himself review appli-
cations submitted and then look at the properties to determine if there is qualification for
46 the grant.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 4
1 Sparks inquired if the grant program covered the homeowners needing to install drain
2 tiles. Mr. Hubmer stated that there is a difference between a homeowner needing drain
3 tiles and a home being inundated with water coming from another source.
4 Sparks inquired if the City should consider broadening the eligibility for the grant
5 program to include homeowners needed drain tiles.
6 Mr. Hubmer responded that if the eligibility were broadened to include installation of,
7 drain tiles,that the City's budget for the program would be inadequate.
8 Thuesen wished to express his agreement with Mr. Hubmer. He stated that there are cer-
9 tain factors involved that identify a homeowner's need for grant assistance. In addition,
10 Thuesen stated that typically the need for drain tiles becomes a homeowner's responsibil-
11 ity.
12 Cavanaugh stated that operating word is flooding. He further stated that drain tiles are
13 typically installed to alleviate excessive water that is caused by the unique nature of the
14 property. The City is offering the grant program to homeowners whose homes are flooded
because the water comes from a source away from the property.
16 Mr. Hubmer offered that the Stormwater Task Force had discussed this issue in detail in
17 1998 and it was determined at that time where to draw the line with respect to qualified
18 homes for the grant program.
19 Sparks inquired if there were enough repairs throughout the City to utilize the entire
20 $100,000 budget the City has set aside. Mr. Hubmer expressed his opinion that there'are
21 enough repairs, however, some residents have been reluctant to utilize the program for
22 several reasons. One of the reasons is the cost of the 35%outlay for the homeowner.
23 Sparks inquired about the application process. Mr. Hubmer explained that a homeowner
24 would submit an application, and he and Public Works Director Jay Hartman would visit
25 the property and if the property qualified, a letter would be sent to the homeowner. This
26 letter would set forth alternatives, options, and a preliminary plan. The homeowner
27 would then take the preliminary plans to a contractor and the process is worked out
28 together with WSB & Associates, the contractor, and the homeowner.
29 Motion by Sparks to approve Resolution 00-020 wherein the City Council of the City of
30 St. Anthony hereby approves the proposed Flood Relief Grant Program guidelines and al-
31 locates $100,000 of storm water utility funds for the program, based on the following:
•1 A. The proposed Flood Relief Program is another tool to assist residential property
33 owners in dealing with unwanted runoff water.
r .
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 5
1 B. Funding is available from the storm water utility fund and is identified in the
2 Storm Water Capital Improvement Program.
3 C. The property owner must contribute 35% of the cost of the flood relief project.
4 Motion carried unanimously
5 .2. Approve plans and specifications and order advertisement for bids for 29th
6 Avenue NE street improvements (Resolution 00-021).
7 Mr. Hubmer stated that WSB & Associates was asking for the approval of the plans and
8 specifications for the 29th Avenue project, and the authority to put the project out for
9 final bid. Mr. Hubmer presented a copy of the full plan and invited the Councilmembers
10 to view the plan if desired. Mr. Hubmer had also prepared a layout of the 29th Avenue
I 1 plan which proposed reconstruction from Stinson on the West to County Road 8$on the
12 East. The road will be restored in much the same manner, with parking on both sides of
13 the road. Portions of the road will be width-restricted for the purposes of not permitting
14 passing in those areas and promoting a traffic calming effect.
Mr. Hubmer stated that the project is approximately $2.6 million, with funding coming
from a$400.00 water connection assessment to each homeowner on 29th Avenue, the
17 Stormwater Utility Bond, and a bond against municipal state aid funds. Bid dates are an-
18 ticipated to begin in April, and the City would have 90 days to make a decision to
19 proceed and accept the bids, or to reduce the project scope and re-bid the plan.
20 Cavanaugh said that if the City did not receive all the funding anticipated, would it be
21 possible to segment the project. Mr. Hubmer responded that it would be possible to
22 segment the project and keep the primary flood-proofing component in place.
23 Hodson inquired about an approximate cost if the project were to be scaled down. Mr.
24 Hubmer responded an estimated cost would be $1.7 million.
25 Cavanaugh inquired about installing larger pipes as part of the project. Mr. Hubmer re-
26 sponded that the largest pipes needed for the project are being utilized and it would be in-
27 efficient to install bigger pipes in anticipation of additional storage. It would be more
28 economical, he stated, to pond on the surface.
29 In response to an inquiry about the relationship between the 29th Avenue project and the
30 Harding project, Mr. Hubmer stated that a neighborhood meeting with the residents of the
31 Harding area would be held on February 29, 2000, and ideas would be presented and
2 input received. Again, he stated that bids would open in April, 2000 for the 29th Avenue
project, and if requirements and needs changed with the Harding Street project,then the
34 City would have 90 days to accept or reject the bids.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 6
1
2 Cavanaugh stated that, although the 29th Avenue project and the Harding project are
3 linked, the City's purpose is to ensure that the 29th Avenue project satisfies the flooding
4 solution. He offered assurance that the 29th Avenue project would not proceed independ-
5 ently, but as the schedule unfolds, answers about the Harding project would be provided.
6 Motion by Hodson to approve Resolution 00-021, Approving Plans and Specifications
7 and Ordering Advertisement for Bids, wherein the City Council of the City of St.
8 Anthony resolves that:
9 1) Such improvement is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible as detailed in the
10 feasibility report;
11
12 2) Such plans and specifications are hereby approved.
13 3) The consulting engineering firm shall prepare and cause to be inserted in the offi-
'14 cial paper and in the Construction Bulletin, ad advertisement for bids upon the making of
15 such improvement under such approved plans and specifications. The advertisement
�j shall be published for two times, shall specify the work to be done, shall state that bids
�j will be opened on March 29, 20000 and bids the responsibility of the bidders will be
18 considered by the City Council at 7:00 p.m. on April 11, 2000 in the Council Chambers
19 of the City Hall. Any bidder whose responsibility is questioned during consideration of
20 the bid will be given an opportunity to address the Council on the issue of responsibility.
21 No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the Clerk and accompanied by a
22 cash deposit, cashier's check, bid bond or certified check payable to the City of St.
23 Anthony for Five (5%)percent of the amount of such bid.
24 Motion carried unanimously
25 3. Report on removal vs. demolition of houses on Pahl Avenue.
26 Mr. Hubmer stated that he was in attendance at a meeting to discuss options for offering .
27 homes for purchase and relocation, or demolishing the homes. In that respect, he directed
28 the Council's attention to his letter of February 15, 2000. Such letter provided a back-
29 ground of information by stating that the homes located at 2700, 2704, and 2713 Pahl
30 Avenue have been scheduled to be removed and storm water storage basins constructed in
31 their location in the spring of 2000. The options available were to remove the homes by
32 demolition, or to sell the homes to a home mover for removal from the City.
33 Mr. Hubmer continued by stating that the option to demolish the homes and remove them
�4 would incur a cost of approximately $36,000 - $39,000 for all three structures.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 7
1 The second option would be to offer the homes for sale and relocation at an anticipated
2 cost of between$9,000 to $12,000. Although this option is the least costly to the City by
3 an approximate amount of$24,000-$30,000,the City would need to have bid documents
4 prepared and the sale advertised. Residents who have expressed an interest in acquiring
5 the contents, or portions of the structures, would be allowed to negotiate with,the com-
b pany or the individual to which the purchase is awarded.
7 Thuesen asked City Manager Michael Morrison if he had received any feedback from
8 City Attorney.William Soth regarding the legalities of selling the homes for relocation.
9 Morrison stated that, until recently, the anticipated route was to demolish the homes and
10 thus City Attorney Soth had not been contacted to investigate the other option. However,
11 in light of the potential savings to the City, Morrison felt it feasible to ask City Attorney
12 Soth to investigate the option of sale and removal of the homes.
13 Motion by Sparks to allow City Manager Michael Morrison to investigate the option of
14 bidding out the sale and removal of the homes on Pahl Avenue, or explore the option of
15 demolition of the homes, pursuant to Todd Hubmer's letter of February 15, 2000, which
16 is page 26 of the agenda packets. Furthermore, Mr. Hubmer is directed to clarify in
specific detail the cost savings to the City associated with the sale and removal of the -
homes in relation to demolition of the homes.
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20 On an unrelated matter, Cavanaugh stated that he would be attending a meeting with
21 Metropolitan Transit to discuss the reduction in bus service that the MTC has proposed.
22 Cavanaugh reflected that, earlier in 1999, the City Council had considered installing a sidewalk
23 on 29th Avenue during the reconstruction project. However,residents were not supportive of the
24 issue. In light of the new development with the potential reduction in bus service,however,
25 Cavanaugh wished to revisit the concept of possibly installing a sidewalk on the north side of the
26 street, together with appropriate landscaping and decorative lighting. Cavanaugh suggested that
27 this issue be discussed at a worksession and stated that a public hearing would be held if the con-
28 cept were determined to be viable. He reminded the Council that sidewalks are in the City's
29 Comprehensive Plan and there was the possibility that sidewalks installed on the north side of the
30 street would be more amenable to the residents, as opposed to the south side as was originally
31 proposed.
32 Hodson inquired as to the reasons for the original objections to the sidewalk. Mr. Hubmer
33 explained that many of the concerns were from the residents objecting to having additional foot
34 traffic along the street and closer to their homes. He continued by stating that there is a
perceived taking of land among the residents, although the sidewalks would have been placed in
46 the City's right of way.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 8
1 Mr. Hubmer said that the original discussion had centered around the sidewalks on the south side
2 of the street where there is approximately 30 feet from a resident's home to the right of way.
3 However, he stated that there is approximately 40 feet from a resident's home to the right of way
4 on the north side of the street.
5 Hodson suggested revisiting the issue and believed the City had a responsibility to investigate in-
6 stalling sidewalks.
7 Thuesen asked if the subject could be revisited and the plans changed midstream to incorporate
8 different lighting, sidewalks, landscaping and still meet the deadline.
9 Mr. Hubmer responded that currently the City has more time than is typical, and if a sidewalk'de-
10 cision is made,the plans can be modified after bidding takes place.
11 Cavanaugh requested that Mr. Hubmer supply a copy of the previous drawings that depicted
12 decorative lighting and shrubbery for the Council's upcoming worksession.
13 Mornson clarified that the City would need to consider extending the bid date or providing
change orders because of the normal process that would be needed in order to install sidewalks,
41 such as neighborhood meetings, and reports back to the Council that would take additional time.
16 Mornson wished to clarify for the Council that the City received $2 million from the State of
17 Minnesota two years ago, and the City still needs to match that amount. The 29th Avenue
18 project is the City's match, he stated, and it is imperative that the City complete the 29th Avenue
19 project as a storm sewer project at a minimum.
20 Cavanaugh thanked Mr. Hubmer for his reports and information, and for addressing the Council.
21 C. City Manager.
22 City Manager Michael Mornson reported that the City of St. Anthony would be receiving an
23 award from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the design of 33rd Avenue. SEH,
24 the engineering firm, will be available to accept the award on behalf of the City.
25 Additionally, he reported that he has been in contact with Ann Higgins, the lobbyist for the
26 League of Minnesota Cities, who has been closely watching the bonding bill. Mornson
27 suggested that the Councilmembers check in on the status of the bonding bill at the Capitol if
28 possible.
29 Mornson stated that he would be attending the meeting with Mayor Cavanaugh and the MTC to
o discuss the routing change. He suggested that interested residents contact the MTC to express
viewpoints on the routing change.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 22, 2000
Page 9
1
Morrison wished to remind the Council of the Employer Recognition Lunch to be held on March
2 1, 2000 from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Additionally,he reminded the Council of the Open House for
3 Dick Johnson and Kim Moore-Sykes on March 3 from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.
4 Morrison stated that the Chair of the Planning Commission has requested to be placed on the
5 agenda for the March 14, 2000 meeting to discuss the possibility of retaining a planning consult-
6 ant to assist in negotiations for redevelopment with Hillcrest Development.
7 XI. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS.
8 Hodson did not have a report.
9 Thuesen reported that he attended the Parks Commission meeting on February 14, 2000 as the
10 Council Liaison. He relayed that the Commission is anxiously awaiting the site survey for
11 Central Park in order to develop a concrete plan for redevelopment. Additionally,through
12 discussions of Central Park and the lack of green space available for ball fields, questions arose
13 concerning the possibility of grants available for use by the City. In that respect, Thuesen
14 inquired if there are opportunities with City Staff available to explore potential grants, or if a
15 viable option would be_to hire a grant writer.
06 Morrison replied that recently the City Manager has prepared grants, but in light of the Parks
17 Commission's special needs relating to park space, it might be an option to hire a grant writer.
18 Cavanaugh suggested that after the closing*occurs between Hillcrest Development and Apache
19 Plaza, that there might be a chance to coordinate some space with Mr. Tankenoff.
20 Sparks reported that ACTION is sponsoring an event on March 18, 2000 at City Hall from 9:00
21 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. to talk about activities in St. Anthony and New Brighton, and to discuss activi-
22 ties for youth, block parties, block clubs, gathering places, and other ideas. Everyone is invited
23 to attend.
24 Additionally, Sparks reported that there is a presentation at Wilshire Park on strengthening our
25 schools. The event will be presented as a community forum on Monday, February 28, 2000 from
26 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., with a follow-up meeting on March 13, 2000 to discuss specific concerns
27 and implementing changes.
28 Cavanaugh reported that he spoke at a recent Kiwanis meeting and stated that the organization is
29 in search of new members. He encouraged an interest in membership to Kiwanis because of the
30 strength and abilities of the organization to promote positive improvements throughout the City.
31 Additionally, the Kiwanis organization is tantamount in promoting positive benefits for children.
Cavanaugh further reported that.he attended a joint meeting with the School Board to set forth
33 where both the City and School stood on certain issues. One issue in particular is the renovation
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
February 22, 2000
• Page 10
1 of Central Park, which stands on one-half of the City's property, and one-half on the School's
2 property. Cavanaugh felt the meeting was productive and mentioned that the joint meetings are
3 scheduled to be held quarterly.
4 Cavanaugh also stated that the retreat attended in February had a team-building theme and was a
5 successful gathering. He felt it was an ideal way to get to know fellow members of the Council,
6 the City Staff, Department Heads, and the Chairs of the Park and Planning Commission.
7 Cavanaugh stated that the Kiwanis organization is starting a "K-Kids Club," which is the first in
8 the nation. This club is another example, Cavanaugh stated, of the positive affect the Kiwanis is
9 having on the community.
10 Furthermore, Cavanaugh attended the DARE graduation and stated.that there was a large turnout
11 and the event was impressive.
12 Additionally, Cavanaugh attended the first meeting of VillageFest. He announced that a
13 Chairperson is needed for the event and encouraged community participation in order to make
14 VillageFest successful. The third Saturday of each month has been designated for VillageFest
meetings, and will take place at the Community Center at 9:00 a.m. to continue the planning pro-
06 cess. Everyone interested is invited to attend. In particular, the committee is searching for new
17 themes and additional activities for teens.
18 XII. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
19 A. February 15, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting Summary.
20 For the Council's information, a memorandum from Kim-Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant,
21 dated February 16, 2000 summarizing the February 15, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting was
22 included in the Council's agenda packets as page 27.
23 XIII. ADJOURNMENT.
24 Motion by Hodson to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
25 Motion carried unanimously.
26 Respectfully submitted,
27 Sue Selseth
28 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
2940 �^
a
ATTEST:
32 City Clerk